Professor
Patton Graduates
After 35 years of teaching, College of Agriculture professor Westley
“Doc” Patton feels he has earned enough units to graduate
and has announced his retirement. A retirement party will be held
on Sept. 18, 6 p.m. at the University Farm pavilion.

Brought up on a sheep ranch in Northern California, he came to California
State University, Chico in 1963 as a transfer student from Coalinga
College.

“After graduating from Chico, I went to Oregon State, where
I finished graduate school and met my wife, Jane. We returned to Chico
in the fall of 1969, and I have been attending class ever since. I
am looking forward to graduation,” Patton said.

“His teaching never stops. Even while walking through a field
he is educating us,” Brian Miller, a senior animal science minor,
said.

College of Agriculture professor and Patton’s former student
Dave Daley said, “The lifelong learning attitude, the caring
nature, and his willingness to work with everyone is unparalleled.”

“Patton is a tinkerer. He can create just about anything from
scratch with a little scrap metal and a bit of welding. I don’t
think there is much Patton can’t do,” Professor Patrick
Doyle said.

Patton credits his students and colleagues with keeping him energized.
“The energy I receive from the students, the close working relationships
I have with faculty and staff, and the tremendous connection we have
with the industry has given me the greatest place I could imagine
to work my whole academic career,” Patton said.

Patton will continue to support the College of Agriculture when the
program needs him. He is teaching a research class this semester and
will carry out a sheep research project for two more years at the
University Farm.

Patton and his wife plan to carry out their passion for farming on
their recently purchased ranch in Orland. He is going to do some hunting
and fishing,hobbies that have been on hold. He is also looking forward
to spending time with his family, especially the new addition, grandson
Nathan Westley. Son, Kevin, who graduated from the College of Ag and
now teaches at the University of Northern Colorado. Another son, Matt
teaches at Elk Grove High School.

“The College of Agriculture will forever be changed because
of Wes Patton’s dedication to the program, and he will remain
an inspiration to many,” said Dean Charlie Crabb.